Share your experience with Venlafaxine (Effexor)

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Rated Venlafaxine (Effexor) for Anxiety Report

I have been on the pill for about a year at 75 MG and I have to say that it is a trapped feeling being on this pill, it does the sort of things that my anxiety does too, like the random tingling feeling. As far as my anxiety it has it's bad effects, for without me having a panic attack and getting it over with...I feel horrible. without it I get head zaps and sometimes vision issues like the side to side spasm of my vision. I have had a significant 25+ pound weight gain on this pill. I have to say in general though it doesn't help with my anxiety, it just makes my likelihood of having a panic attack low. It doesn't help with any stage of my anxiety in between the stages of anxious brain chatter I have and the stage right before a panic attack. I don't know how to feel on this pill. I am terribly upset from the weight gain thought and all of the interactions it might have.

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3 Stars

Posted 1 months ago (6/27/2015)3

Rated Venlafaxine (Effexor) for Depression Report

I have only been taking Effexor, this time around, for about five weeks now. I had been on it for about two years back in the early 2000's and it was of some use back then so I am hoping that it will kick in again in the next few months. I had been on Wellbutrin for over two years and it did nothing for me. I was hospitalized for over a year beginning in 1999 for depression, anxiety and psychosis and have been diagnosed with the same in the past six months. I have been on Xanax since 1987 and on various antidepressants since that time. I am taking two 75mg tablets on Effexor once a day and my doctor tells me that 225mg per day is the general highest dosage but that he may go up to as high as 300mg for me. I have never had any great successes with antidepressants – it was ECT that worked for me but my heart health is so poor, now, that I can't get signed off for ECT again.

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3 Stars

Posted 1 months ago (6/23/2015)3

Rated Venlafaxine (Effexor) for Depression Report

I have been taking 150 mg of Effexor for about 6 years. It was rough at the beginning, but once my body got used to the dosage I was fine. Before I took the medication, I was severely depressed, but no desire for suicide or self-harm. Once I started taking the medication, within the first couple months, I started cutting myself and had totally disregard for my safety.
I am betteer today but that`s due to seeing multiple therapists as well as taking the drugs. I would not recommend taking the drug on its own. You need to also see a therapist to fully benefit from its effects.
I am now trying to wean off for the 2nd time. I`m doing it very slowly as last time I weaned to quick and the depression returned immediately. But I believe with my very gradual weaning schedule and my being vigilant about my moods to nip anything in the bud before it grows into something insurmountable, that I will be successful this time around.

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2.5 Stars

Posted 15 months ago (4/24/2014)2

Rated Venlafaxine (Effexor) for Depression Report

I have been on this medication for depression and anxiety for almost 16 years now. Other than the withdrawal effects from an occasional missed dose it has worked great for me. Until about two months ago...I started feeling withdrawal even when taking the medication. Doc n I switched to tablet to absorb better and two weeks later same thing. I'd almost rather be depressed than feel like crap. One thing that is different is we added Welbutrin. Seems like that's when the symptoms started. I've also had yo-yo weight since then gaining and losing 30+ lbs at a time. Going to wean off Welbutrin first n see if that helps. If not I am all done with venlafaxine.

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5 Stars

Posted 19 months ago (1/5/2014)5

Rated Venlafaxine (Effexor) for Depression Report

I have been taking 300 mg of venlafaxine a day; 150 in the morning and 150 in the evening for major depression. I have been taking this drug for 6 months. The only side effect I have had is a dry mouth. No weight gain, in fact, my appetite has decreased since I began taking this drug. My depression is under control for the first time in years of treatment. I would hate to have to give up this medication. It has been a life saver for me.

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2.5 Stars

Posted 20 months ago (12/4/2013)2

Rated Venlafaxine (Effexor) for Anxiety Report

I called this my I don't give a crap pill. I used this for 5 plus years. Effexor definitely erases your stresses without creating a zombie. However the side effects keep me on fence, large weight gain, lights out effect (as if someone flipped the switch off then right back on),also I experienced terrible withdrawals if I missed 1 day dose (1 pill 2 x a day). I worked with 4 others that shared the exact same. The only reason I'm taking Prozac and Clorazepate (both together not as good) was the cost, insurance stopped coverage. It works with strong side effects. Please weigh it carefully!!!

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1 Stars

Posted 29 months ago (3/8/2013)1

Rated Venlafaxine (Effexor) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Report

This is a very dangerous drug,but also very effective. At first,it makes you catatonic,which masks your symptoms.
It takes about three months to work.It gives you a stable mood and general feeling that life is enjoyable.
Then you find out that you cannot stop taking the drug.If you miss your dose by 3-8 hours,you become dizzy,nauseated,and disoriented.If you miss it by more than 24 hours,you are practically in a coma.
As time progresses,you have fits of rage and cannot have sex for weeks.
One thing about Venlafaxine,it is very good for some types of pain.
I am not sure that I would have ever started taking this if I would have had all of the information.
Erik,at 216.566.4654

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5 Stars

Posted 33 months ago (11/7/2012)5

Rated Venlafaxine (Effexor) for Depression Report

I have been taking 150mg for about 5 months now. It has gave me a better outlook on life, and my relationship with my husband has been better than it has been in years! The only major complaint I have is the dry mouth and weight gain. But I can deal with that, just to be able to smile and be more content with life.

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0.5 Stars

Posted 33 months ago (10/22/2012)0

Rated Venlafaxine (Effexor) for Anxiety Report

At first, I loved this. I've been on it for almost a year now and I've gained 30 pounds. I can't miss a dose by even a few hours or I'll have really severe withdrawal symptomsâ€”dizziness, nausea, hot flashes, headaches and more. It treats my anxiety better than zoloft or prozac (both of which I have been on), but I'd much much MUCH rather deal with my anxiety than continue taking this and have it ruin my life.

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0.5 Stars

Posted 34 months ago (9/17/2012)0

Rated Venlafaxine (Effexor) for Anxiety Report

It was like I was on crack. Caused me to have a manic episode (something I have never had) and extreme anxiety to the point of agoraphobia (again, something new). Is this the norm? no...but something to watch for and not willing to use long enough to 'get past the waiting period'

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